Workshop - Floating Sense and Balance (3)

This was the first day’s (May 19) workshop “Floating Sense and Balance.” Everyone got the same materials, but used their own container. I always bring two different kinds of containers. I decide which one to use after seeing Sensei’s demonstration. I was delighted that I received a nice critique from the master instructor Reito Oizumi.

I didn’t attend May 20th’s workshop. For me to go Ikebana class or other events like this involves many family members! Because my husband needs someone to watch him and I need someone to drive me to the places. My children know how important it is for me to continue practicing my beloved Ikebana; it also helps me temporarily relieve my stress and depression from taking care of my husband!

The last one - Cherry Blossom (2)

This was the last piece of arrangement! It’s a big and beautiful piece of work! She looks young and very graceful! I like all of her arrangements, very impressive and well done!

Sogetsu Demonstrations by Master Instructor Reito Oizumi (1)

Ikebana International New York Chapter #7 on its 70th anniversary held a special meeting to celebrate on May 19-20, 2026 at the Opus Westchester, White Plains, New York. The chapter invited Ms. Reito Oizumi to present demonstrations and workshops. “She is an award winning practitioner and exhibits internationally. She approaches Ikebana as a deeply personal form of expression.”

Oizumi Sensei demonstrated ten pieces of arrangements: here were the nine arrangements. 

The DPW May Class Lessons - (1)

Our May class lessons were held on May 8, 2026, three subjects as usual. Thinking of all the materials I need for the class makes me really miss my old garden. I was glad the class would provide materials for us to use, a little bit challenging for me but I liked it this time. 

May class lessons: 1) - With Branches Only or A Two- Step Approach (for advanced students)

A two steps approach, the branches are featured in this
widely spreading horizontally composition 

Pink dogwood branch from my yard 

Straight Line (2)

The class provided horsetail for straight line material, I didn’t use it, I used forsythia instead. Unfortunately, I didn’t transplant the horsetail plant here, I have a lot of them in my old house garden! They are invasive plants.

My original design 

In class, Sensei changed the position of the
Aspidistra to the bottom 

Sensei’s demo using horsetail 

Focusing on the Uses of Water (3)

I used the big martini glass as a container of this subject. Showing the water is another means of expression! I salute all the mothers on Mother’s Day through this arrangement!  (cymbidium, white flower and Asparagus provided, my green vine is bittersweet)

Morning Dew Looks Like Diamonds

Dewdrops on the tree peony leaves sparkled like diamonds in the sun!  I am delighted that my two tree peonies I transplanted to my new garden last fall are well established.

The Charm of Shadow

My daughter mentioned before we moved here last fall. The big old dogwood tree in my backyard was magnificent, full of flowers last spring! But I don’t know what happened? The flowers are pretty sparse this time! Hopefully it will be magnificent again next year. 

Dogwood and Cala Lily 

Welcome to Spring

We had summer like weather last week, the temperature reached 80+degrees F! But all good things must come to an end. There is a Hakka saying “春天面時時變” (The weather in spring is unpredictable).  One thing for sure spring is here, no winter wind anymore!

Dogwood branch, Lily and Aspidistra 

April Class (3) - Keeping in Mind the View From Below or Using Various Locations

In my mind, I thought my arrangement would be placed on the Toko-no-ma (alcove). But Sensei asked me to put it up on ladder, and she said it worked, could view from below too.

In class 4/10/2026

Everyone placed their arrangement on the ladder,
so they can viewed from below  

Rearranged at home 4/11/2026